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CGN Fleet 2011

Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman

All images link to larger copies which will open in a new window/tab


 
This page shows images of the Lac Léman fleet of CGN (Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman) in 2011. Only four paddle steamers operated for much of the peak 2011 season since Montreux was out of service with superheater problems. Steamers in service were Simplon and Savoie based at Geneva and La Suisse and Rhône at Lausanne-Ouchy.


 

Paddle Vessels on this Page:-
   Genève (1) - 1896-1973  (diesel)
   La Suisse (2) - 1910-
   Helvétie (2) - 1926-  (diesel)
   Italie - 1908-  (diesel)
   Montreux - 1904-
   Rhône - 1927-
   Savoie - 1914-
   Simplon (3) - 1920-
   Vevey - 1908-  (diesel)


Motorships on this Page:-
   Col-Vert - 1960-
   Coppet - 2007-
   General-Guisan - 1963-
   Genève (2) - 2007

   Henry-Dunant - 1962-
   Lausanne (2) - 2006-
   Lavaux - 2006-
   Léman (5) - 1990-
   Morges - 2005-
   Valais (2)- 2008-
   Ville de Genève - 1978


CGN Timetable Archive (PDF Files):-
   2011 Summer - 2.4MB PDF
   2011 Spring/Autumn - 130KB PDF
   2010/11 Winter - 1MB PDF
   2010 Summer - 120KB PDF
   2010 Spring - 130KB PDF
   2009 Winter - 120KB PDF
   2009 Summer - 120KB PDF
   2009 Spring - 120KB PDF
   2008 Summer - 1MB PDF
   2008 Spring - 130KB PDF
   2007/8 Winter - 640KB PDF


 

Other Simplon CGN Pages:-
   CGN Header Page
   CGN Page 1 - CGN Paddle Steamers 1822-1886
   CGN Page 2 - CGN Paddle Vessels 1887-2004
   CGN Page 3 - CGN Screw Motor Vessels
   CGN Page 4 - The 2004 CGN Fleet
   CGN Page 5 - The 2005 CGN Fleet
   CGN Page 6 - The 2007 CGN Fleet 
   CGN Page 7 - The 2011 CGN Fleet 
- this page

Other Simplon Alpine Lakes Pages:-
   Alpine Lake Steamers Header Page
   LNM - Lacs de Neuchâtel & Morat
   NLC - Lago di Como
   ZSG - Zürichsee Schifffahrtsgesellschaft


Associated Simplon Pages

References
   CGN Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman - Une Histoire
        by Maurice Decoppet & Jacques Straesslé
        La Bibliothèque des Arts 2007

Official Alpine Steamer Websites



CGN Fleet 2011

Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman

All images link to larger copies which will open in a new window/tab



1: Paddle Steamers


Montreux (1904- )

Montreux was built in 1904 by Sulzer Brothers of Winterthur. She is 60 metres long and was fitted with a 2-cylinder compound engine of 1000hp, built by Sulzer. In 1962 she was fitted with an 8-cylinder diesel-electric installation of 1100hp, following boiler problems from 1958. She returned to service with a small white motorship funnel. In the winter of 1978-79, Montreux received major hull and superstructure repairs. In 1986, she reverted to a more traditional funnel, although it remained white. The diesel engine and generator equipment received a major service in 1989. In 2001 Montreux received a new 2-cylinder simple engine, and her accommodation was substantially rebuilt, incorporating the dining saloon panelling of the Valais, which had acted as a restaurant ship at Geneva since 1966 (Valais was then scrapped in 2003). The rebuilt accommodation is to a luxurious standard, and Montreux initially ran fairly limited "gastronomic cruises" in association with the Beau-Rivage Palace Hotel in Ouchy. However, the unavailability of two major units of the fleet in 2004 (Savoie being rebuilt, and Simplon (3) receiving repairs following her boiler explosion), required that Montreux also took the afternoon Tour du Haut-Lac in the peak season, which leaves Ouchy at 14:15hrs for Evian, St Gingolph, Montreux and Vevey, returning to Ouchy at 18:10hrs. This was preceded by a lunch cruise to Evian between 12:30hrs and 13:55hrs. In the evenings she operated an evening dinner cruise to Yvoire via Morges and Rolle at 18:35hrs, returning at 22:07hrs. She connects at Yvoire with the evening cruise from Geneva, run by Vevey in 2005, providing the possibility of late journeys between Geneva and Lausanne (or vice versa). Her itinerary (but with less frequent evening cruises) had previously been carried out for many years by the La Suisse (2).

In 2006, Montreux adjusted her schedule to run four cruises daily (711/712, 1201/1202, 1202/211 & 403/404) retaining the lunch cruise to Evian (Ouchy dep: 12:30) and the evening Croisière Gastronomique to Yvoire (Ouchy dep: 18:25). The afternoon Tour du Haut-Lac has been replaced by a short Belles Rives Lausannoises cruise to Morges (Ouchy dep: 14:05) and a Riviera Express cruise to Villeneuve (Ouchy dep: 15:25) calling just at Montreux outwards and Chillon and Montreux inwards. The introduction of these express runs is a new feature for 2006, others being run by Rhône (3), although Helvétie (2) ran similar express trips along the whole length of the lake in the 1960s.

During the peak season of 2011, Montreux was scheduled to run a lunch cruise to Evian, followed by an afternoon cruise to Chillon and an evening Croisière Gastronomique to Rolle. The of the evening cruises from Lausanne and Geneva short of Yvoire is a great pity since the late connections between the two cities were extremely useful.


Paddle steamer Montreux laid up at Ouchy with superheater problems
She is not expected to return to service until September

Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011

MONTREUX 1904 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



Paddle steamer Montreux laid up at Ouchy with superheater problems Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011
MONTREUX 1904 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



Paddle steamer Montreux laid up at Ouchy with superheater problems Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011
MONTREUX 1904 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle







La Suisse (2) (1910- )

La Suisse (2) was the first of the trio of 70 metre steamers built for Lake Geneva. She was delivered in 1910, and carries 1200 passengers. She was always easily identifiable from the later giants, Simplon (3) and Helvétie (2), by having her boiler ahead of the paddlewheels. Adjusting the boiler's position on the later steamers provided a more spacious internal layout, allowing more passengers to be carried. For many years La Suisse (2) had been used on the Ouchy-based lunchtime cruise to Evian and the afternoon Tour du Haut-Lac, both taken by the Montreux in 2005. In more recent years, La Suisse (2) returned to the early morning departure from Geneva to St Gingolph and back, a round trip of nearly 12 hours. This was called the "Rhône Express". 2005 was the last year of this service along the complete length of Lake Geneva.

In 2006 La Suisse left Geneva Mont-Blanc at 10:00hrs, and proceeds only as far as Vevey, returning the Geneva Mont-Blanc at 19:35hrs (100/907). She no longer visits Evian, following the Swiss shore throughout apart from a deviation to Nernier and Yvoire both ways. At the end of the 2007 season, La Suisse was withdrawn for major overhaul, and did not sail in 2008.

She returned from overhaul in magnificent condition, possibly the finest steam ship still sailing. In 2011 she ran three circular trips each day from Lausanne, running direct to St Gingolph and then back to Lausanne via the Lavaux shore. For much of the summer season she also ran an evening gourmet cruise on Tuesday-Saturday, deputising for the failed Montreux



Paddle steamer La Suisse at Ouchy after failing due to 'very minor problems'
She missed her three Haut Lac Express circuits but ran her evening cruise.
 
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011

LA SUISSE 1910 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



Paddle vessels Italie, Montreux and La Suisse at Ouchy
 
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011

LA SUISSE 1910 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



Paddle steamer La Suisse returning to service on the evening cruise following 'very minor problem'
 
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011

LA SUISSE 1910 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



Paddle steamer La Suisse returning to service on the evening cruise following 'very minor problem'
 
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011

LA SUISSE 1910 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



Paddle steamer La Suisse returning to service on the evening cruise following 'very minor problem'
 
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011

LA SUISSE 1910 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



Paddle steamer La Suisse returning to service on the evening cruise following 'very minor problem'
 
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011

LA SUISSE 1910 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011



Paddle steamer La Suisse at Ouchy
 
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25th July 2011

LA SUISSE 1910 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011



Paddle steamer La Suisse at Ouchy
 
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25th July 2011

LA SUISSE 1910 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011



Paddle steamer La Suisse approaching the pier at Ouchy before the day's first Haut Lac Express circuit
 
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 26th July 2011

LA SUISSE 1910 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



On board La Suisse as the sun briefly appeared
 
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 19th July 2011

LA SUISSE 1910 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



On board La Suisse as the sun briefly appeared
 
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 19th July 2011

LA SUISSE 1910 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



The 1st class saloon on La Suisse beautifully restored in 2009
 
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 19th July 2011

LA SUISSE 1910 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle







Savoie (1914- )

Savoie was delivered in 1914, a sister to Valais delivered the previous year. She was a 60 metre steamer, carrying 1100 passengers (later 1000) and powered by a 2-cylinder compound engine of 900hp. Savoie's speed was 27.5 kph. Her boilers were re-tubed in 1924, and she then reopened the daily Bouveret-Geneva-Bouveret return which had not run since the start of the First War. At the end of the 1962 season, Savoie was withdrawn requiring a new boiler. For many years previous to this, steamers had been rebuilt with diesel-electric installations when major boiler work was necessary. Work started in 1966 to replace the boilers, and she returned to service for the 1967 season. Many other changes were made, including repositioning the kitchen, and rearranging the restaurant to include a bar area, which was typically 1960s in style. It was hideous. She received a new, modern wheelhouse, the design of which was repeated on many other units in the fleet, to the detriment of their appearance. Her two main ventilators were repositioned much closer together. The small first class smoking room ("la rotonde") was opened out into main first class saloon, and a central exit door added to access the open upper foredeck.

Savoie received radar in 1980, and the first class areas were refurbished in 1984. Between 1985 and 1989, her engines were completely rebuilt. Plans to restore her restaurant to its original state were dropped for financial reasons. The ugly modern wheelhouse was replaced in 1990, by one of very similar appearance. In 1995, Savoie received further modifications, including a new funnel. The two main ventilators were moved apart again, and "la rotonde" was reinstated, separate access doors on each side replacing the central door added in 1967. In 2004, work began on a full restoration, paid for by the cantons of Vaud, Valais and Geneva. She was originally due to return to service in 2005, but I believe the emergency work to Simplon has delayed this until 2006. The intention was that she would take on the midday cruise, afternoon tour de petit-lac, and evening cruise, run in 2004 from Geneva by Vevey (or Lausanne in the peak season from mid-July to mid-August). 

Savoie did not sail in 2005, since she was undergoing major reconstruction work. She completed her substantial rebuild in 2006 and re-entered daily service in 2006. It was a far more extensive update than Simplon received the previous year, and Savoie returned as a virtually new ship, along the lines of the rebuild given to the Montreux. She took over the Geneva cruise roster run previously by Vevey in 2005, and by Simplon in May/June 2006. This consists of a lunch cruise (320/321) at 12:20hrs (return 14:00hrs), a return cruise to Yvoire between 14:15hrs-17:55hrs (310/311), and the evening Croisière Gastronomique (340/305), again to Yvoire (where a connection was made with Montreux, allowing evening trips to be made between Geneva and Ouchy or return). All cruises leave from Geneva Jardin Anglais. In 2011, the evening cruise had been cut back to Nyon, ceasing the valuable evening connection at Yvoire.



Paddle steamer Savoie arriving at Nyon with Rhône following
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 20th July 2011

SAVOIE 1914 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



Paddle steamer Savoie arriving at Nyon with Rhône following
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 20th July 2011

SAVOIE 1914 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



Paddle steamer Savoie leaving Yvoire on her afternoon return to Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 20th July 2011

SAVOIE 1914 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



Paddle steamer Savoie at Geneva prior to her day's services
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011

SAVOIE 1914 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



Paddle steamer Savoie arriving at Nyon from Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25th July 2011

SAVOIE 1914 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



Paddle steamer Savoie arriving at Nyon from Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25th July 2011

SAVOIE 1914 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



Paddle steamer Savoie leaving Nyon for Yvoire
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25th July 2011

SAVOIE 1914 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle







Simplon (3) (1920- )

Simplon (3), the largest working paddle steamer on the Swiss lakes. Completed in 1920, although started before the First War, she is 70m long and could originally carry 1500 passengers. A 1400hp 2-Cylinder compound steam engine can drive her at 29.5kph. For many years she has mainly been used as reserve ship, based at Lausanne-Ouchy, but saw greater use whilst the diesel paddler Montreux was rebuilt with new steam engines. In August 2003, she suffered an engine room pipe burst, but returned to service in July 2005, running opposite Rhône (3) in the peak summer on the two-day roster.

Until the Savoie returned in July 2005, Simplon took Savoie's three daily cruises (320/321, 310/311, 340/305). She then took up her main summer roster of a single return (101/304) from Lausanne-Ouchy (dep: 10:35hrs) to Geneva via the Swiss shore (ie: missing Evian), apart from a diversion to Yvoire and Nernier. On reaching Yvoire on her return leg, she does an extra ferry return back Nyon (882/886 returning traffic from Yvoire to Nyon is very heavy at this time). She then proceeds again for Ouchy arriving at 19:25hrs. This trip effectively replaces part of Italie's marathon daily journey of previous years, her Le Bouveret-Ouchy section not being covered by other units.

In 2011 Simplon was based at Geneva and ran a return to Ouchy plus an Ouchy-Evian-Ouchy return.



Paddle steamer Simplon between Rolle and Yvoire returning from Ouchy to Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 19th July 2011

SIMPLON 1920 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



Paddle steamer Simplon between Rolle and Yvoire returning from Ouchy to Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25nd July 2011

SIMPLON 1920 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



Paddle steamer Simplon between Rolle and Yvoire returning from Ouchy to Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25nd July 2011

SIMPLON 1920 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



Paddle steamer Simplon between Rolle and Yvoire returning from Ouchy to Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25nd July 2011

SIMPLON 1920 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle







Rhone (1904- )

Rhône was built in 1927, the last paddle steamer built for CGN. Her 2-cylinder compound engine has hydraulically-driven valves and an automatic lubrication system which requires enclosed cranks. The covers were replaced by transparent Perspex in 2011. The lack of valve gear eccentrics looks very odd.

She previously worked the daily Geneva-St Gingolph-Geneva service opposite Italie, but now works one of the two-day rosters with Henry Dunant or, in peak season, with Vevey. This requires overnight stops in either Ouchy and Geneva, running alternately Geneva-Ouchy-St Gingolph-Ouchy, then Ouchy-St Gingolph-Ouchy-Geneva. In 2011 she ran a return from Ouchy to Geneva followed by an evening return to Thonon.



Paddle steamer Rhône reversing from Ouchy in stormy conditions.
She was due to run an evening return to Thonon, but was substituted by Henry Dunant

Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 19th July 2011

RHONE 1927 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



Paddle steamer Rhône reversing from Ouchy in stormy conditions.
She was due to run an evening return to Thonon, but was substituted by Henry Dunant

Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 19th July 2011

RHONE 1927 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



Paddle steamer Rhône arriving at Nyon from Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25th July 2011

RHONE 1927 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



Paddle steamer Rhône  leaving Ouchy for her evening trip to Thonon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25th July 2011

RHONE 1927 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



Paddle steamer Rhône  leaving Ouchy for her evening trip to Thonon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25th July 2011

RHONE 1927 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



Paddle steamer Rhône  leaving Ouchy for her evening trip to Thonon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25th July 2011

RHONE 1927 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



Paddle steamer Rhône  leaving Ouchy for her evening trip to Thonon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25th July 2011

RHONE 1927 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



Paddle steamer Rhône  arriving back at Ouchy after her evening trip to Thonon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25th July 2011

RHONE 1927 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle







2: Diesel Paddle Vessels


Genève (1) (1908-1973)

Genève (1) was the first of the Sulzer Brothers Belle Époque steamers, delivered in 1896, acting as prototype for all the following CGN paddle steamers. She was ordered for the express service, working opposite Mont Blanc (later La Suisse (1) and Evian). Genève was the scene of the death of Elisabeth of Bavaria ('Sissi') on the 10th September 1898. The wounded Empress, who had been stabbed ashore, boarded the ship, where her condition was seen to be life-threatening, and Genève turned around to return her to the Hôtel Beau-Rivage, where she died shortly afterwards. On the 3rd May 1928, near Pully, Genève collided with the Rhône. The left anchor of Genève became entangled into the rigging of the Rhône, breaking her bowsprit and her figurehead, and snapping the top of the fore-mast. A passenger was killed by a falling piece of the fore-mast.

Genève was the first large CGN vessel to be dieselised, receiving twin diesels and electric generator/motor machinery in 1933-34. This proved to be very successful and was used in five subsequent conversions using just a single diesel (except for the larger Helvétie which again had two). Genève was withdrawn prior to the delivery of Chablais in 1973, but remains in existence at Geneva as a centre for the socially disadvantaged and a cafe/restaurant. She used to run to Ouchy under her own power occasionally for hull inspections, but I do not know if this is still possible. Following the demolition of the Major Davel, Genève is the oldest surviving steam paddle steamer of CGN.


Paddle vessel Genève moored at Geneva along with the laid up Vevey
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 26th July 2011

GENEVE 1896 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



Paddle vessel Genève moored at Geneva along with the laid up Vevey
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 26th July 2011

GENEVE 1896 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle







Vevey (1907- )

Vevey and sistership Italie were built in 1907 and 1908. They are 60 metre steamers which were fitted with diesel-electric installations in 1955 and 1958, subsequently proving to be very economical units in the fleet. Vevey ran the Ouchy-Evian ferry service for much of the year until replaced by Léman (5) in 1991. On this service she maintained two crews and operated for about 20 hours each day. Sister Italie had long been associated with the daily return from Le Bouveret to Geneva and back, taking almost 12 hours. This was later named the "Rhône Express". Italie was withdrawn from this service in 2005 and laid up, requiring a new diesel engine/generator/motor set. Vevey was withdrawn in September 2010 and money has been allocated for her rebuilding. She is laid up at Geneva due to lack of space at Ouchy. It is also hoped to rebuild Italie, but this must be funded by public donations.


Paddle vessel Vevey laid up at Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011

VEVEY 1907 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



Paddle vessel Vevey laid up at Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011

VEVEY 1907 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle







Italie (1908- )

Vevey and sistership Italie were built in 1907 and 1908. They are 60 metre steamers which were fitted with diesel-electric installations in 1955 and 1958, subsequently proving to be very economical units in the fleet. Vevey ran the Ouchy-Evian ferry service for much of the year until replaced by Léman (5) in 1991. On this service she maintained two crews and operated for about 20 hours each day. Sister Italie had long been associated with the daily return from Le Bouveret to Geneva and back, taking almost 12 hours. This was later named the "Rhône Express". Italie was withdrawn from this service in 2005 and laid up, requiring a new diesel engine/generator/motor set. Vevey was withdrawn in September 2010 and money has been allocated for her rebuilding. She is laid up at Geneva due to lack of space at Ouchy. It is also hoped to rebuild Italie, but this must be funded by public donations.


Paddle vessel Italie laid up at Ouchy
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011

ITALIE 1908 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



Paddle vessel Italie laid up at Ouchy
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011

ITALIE 1908 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle







Helvétie (2) (1926- )

Helvétie (2) was built in 1926, the last of Lake Geneva's trio of 70 metre steamers. In 2004, Helvétie (2) was laid up at Lausanne-Ouchy awaiting a decision on replacement of her twin diesel engines, which had been removed from the Danube paddle tug Goliath. Unlike the other diesel-electric conversions by CGN, this arrangement was not a success. Initially used after conversion on the daily Geneva-St Gingolph-Geneva run, she was soon consigned to use on evening dinner cruises from Geneva to Yvoire a couple of times a week. Unlike the other conversions, noise and vibration are considerable at speed, although she did seem to be extremely fast when required to make up for delays. Her original steam engines are located in a museum at Nyon, and there were suggestions that they might be restored to her, although this now seems most unlikely. She received protected historic status from the canton of Vaud in 2011 and had been moved to the enclosed repair dock for superficial restoration for use as a floating museum by July 2011, as shown below.


Paddle vessel Helvétie (2) in the enclosed dock at Ouchy
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011

HELVETIE 1926 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle







3: Motor Vessels


Col-Vert (1960- )

Col-Vert was built in 1960 by Bodanwerft, Kressbronn, and is the oldest motor vessel in service on Lake Geneva. She was renovated in 2002, unlike her sister Grèbe which was sold. I did not see Col-Vert in use in 2011, so the images below are from 2006.


 Col-Vert at Yvoire
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2006

COL-VERT 1960 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Col-Vert at Yvoire
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2006

COL-VERT 1960 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle







Henry Dunant (1962- )

Henry Dunant was built in 1963, sister to the Général Guisan delivered the following year. Henry Dunant is named after the founder of the International Red Cross.


 Henry Dunant at Ouchy
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 20th July 2011

HENRY DUNANT 1963 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle







Général Guisan (1963- )

Général Guisan was built in 1963, sister to the Henry Dunant delivered the previous year. Général Guisan is named after the commander of the Swiss Army at the time of the Second World War. He is best remembered for effectively mobilizing the Swiss army and Swiss people in order to prepare resistance against a possible invasion by Nazi Germany. On 25 July 1940, Général Guisan delivered a historic address to the entire Swiss Officer Corps assembled on the Rütli, a location charged with symbolism in Swiss Romantic nationalism by virtue of being identified as the site of the Rütlischwur of 1291. Guisan became a symbol of resistance to Nazism that was widespread amongst the Swiss public.

In 2004, Général Guisan operated a morning return trip to Geneva from Ouchy, followed by three evening returns to Evian, Evian/Thonon and Evian. The Thonon trip is marketed as a dinner cruise.



 Général Guisan at Ouchy
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011

Général Guisan 1963 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle







Ville de Genève (1978- )

Ville de Genève was built in 1978 was built by Bodanwerft, Kressbronn, in 1978 to a similar size and layout as Chablais (now scrapped), but given a less austere appearance through a more streamlined shape. She was built to replace the Lausanne (1), a dieselised paddler. Ville de Genève has served on many routes in all year service, and has a smart interior for charter work. She was renovated between 2009-2011. In 2011, Ville de Genève berthed at Bouveret overnight and ran the first trip


 Ville de Genève passing Chillon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 19th July 2011

VILLE DE GENEVE 1978 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Ville de Genève passing Chillon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 19th July 2011

VILLE DE GENEVE 1978 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Ville de Genève passing Chillon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 19th July 2011

VILLE DE GENEVE 1978 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Ville de Genève passing Chillon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 19th July 2011

VILLE DE GENEVE 1978 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Ville de Genève passing Chillon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 19th July 2011

VILLE DE GENEVE 1978 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Ville de Genève passing Chillon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 19th July 2011

VILLE DE GENEVE 1978 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Ville de Genève passing Chillon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 19th July 2011

VILLE DE GENEVE 1978 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle







Léman (5) (1990- )

Léman (5) was built in 1990 by OESWAG Werft (Linz) to work the Evian-Ouchy ferry. As built, she had two decks full of rows of basic plastic seats with small areas of padding, making her the most unpleasant CGN vessel to sail on. Outside space is restricted to small areas at the stern on each deck, generally full of smokers. In hot weather, travelling on Léman was almost unbearable. In 2005 she was refitted with a small 1st class lounge at the stern on the upper deck. This area is air-conditioned and is fitted with smart leather seating. The cover for the air-con equipment now acts as a small dummy funnel. The hull has been painted dark blue to match the Grand Vedettes and high speed Navibuses, which is a great improvement. For some years Léman extended her route to Thonon once a day at lunchtime. Bizarrely, this was marketed as a cruise despite being a totally unsuitable vessel for cruising. However, it must be said that travel in the new 1st class lounge is an extremely civilised way to commute to work, though not as pleasant as the saloon on Léman's predecessor on the route, the paddle vessel Vevey.


 Léman arriving at Ouchy
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 26th July 2011

LEMAN 1990 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Léman arriving at Ouchy
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 26th July 2011

LEMAN 1990 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Léman leaving Ouchy
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25th July 2011

LEMAN 1990 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Léman arriving at Ouchy
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25th July 2011

LEMAN 1990 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Léman arriving at Ouchy in stormy conditions, advertising the Evian Masters golf tournament
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 19th July 2011

LEMAN 1990 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Léman leaving Ouchy, advertising the Evian Masters golf tournament
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 19th July 2011

LEMAN 1990 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Léman arriving at Ouchy
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 19th July 2011

LEMAN 1990 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Léman - the 1st class lounge, upper deck aft
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 20th July 2011

LEMAN 1990 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Léman upper deck 2nd class lounge with improved seating, which look like the same design and material as used in recent Lausanne trolleybuses
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 20th July 2011

LEMAN 1990 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Léman lower deck 2nd class lounge with the plastic seats used throughout the vessel initially
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 20th July 2011

LEMAN 1990 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle







Lausanne (2) (1991- )

Lausanne (1) was built in 1991 by OESWAG Werft (Linz). She is the largest passenger vessel on Lac Léman at 670 tons, 78.8m length oa and 1500 passengers. She was initially trialled for three years on the Rhône-Express in place of the paddle steamer Rhône, but was not a great success, finding it difficult to maintain schedule because her large size made her cumbersome at piers. In 1995 Rhône again took over all Rhône-Express duties. In 2004 she was being used on lunch and dinner cruises from Geneva, but was again replaced by Vevey and then Savoie and has since seen little use on scheduled services. She is an impressive vessel to sail on and is popular for charters throughout the year.


 Lausanne on a charter in July 2011
Photo: @ Mike Tedstone 2011

LAUSANNE 1991 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle







Les Grandes Vedettes
Morges (2005) - Lavaux (2006) - Valais (2) (2008)

CGN ordered two grandes vedettes for lesser used coastwise traffic and charters in summer and for longer trips out of season. Morges was launched in 2005, followed by Lavaux in 2006. A third vessel Valais (2) was ordered to begin service in 2008. One vessel took over the Geneva circular tours from Grèbe, which was sold rather than being refurbished like sister Col-Vert. Despite being much larger than the Grèbe, Valais was quite over-crowded on the trip which I took.


 Morges leaving Ouchy with Léman
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011

MORGES  2005 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Morges leaving Ouchy with Léman
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011

MORGES  2005 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Morges leaving Ouchy with Léman
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 22nd July 2011

MORGES  2005 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Lavaux arriving at Quai Mont Blanc, Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 26th July 2011

LAVAUX 2006 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Lavaux arriving at Quai Mont Blanc, Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 26th July 2011

LAVAUX 2006 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Lavaux at Quai Mont Blanc, Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 26th July 2011

LAVAUX 2006 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Lavaux at Quai Mont Blanc, Geneva
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 26th July 2011

LAVAUX 2006 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Valais loading at Thonon for Evian
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 20th July 2011

VALAIS 2008 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Valais arriving at Thonon from Evian
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 20th July 2011

VALAIS 2008 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Valais leaving Yvoire for Thonon and Evian
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 20th July 2011

VALAIS 2008 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Valais - the main saloon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 20th July 2011

VALAIS 2008 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle







Navibuses
Coppet (2007) - Genève (2) (2007)

CGN ordered two Navibuses Coppet and Genève (2) from S.E.E.Merré (Nantes) for delivery in 2007. These are used primarily on fast services between Ouchy and Thonon, with some services running via Morges. There is also a fast service from Ouchy along the Lavaux coast to Vevey, Montreux and St Gingolph which was busy with returning commuters. There does not seem to be an equivalent fast service to bring commuters into Lausanne, with the first service being the Ville de Genève which does not reach Ouchy until 10:40am. Demand for travel from Thonon means that both vessels are required for peak morning services, so there is not currently an option to run a fast morning service in from Vevey/Montreux.

The Navibuses are 25m long and carry 120 passengers with a block of seats reserved for 1st class. They are powered by two Caterpillar diesels driving water jets. Each engine is 1045kW, compared to the 870kW of each of the mighty Lausanne's two engines.



 Coppet arriving at Ouchy from Thonon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 26th July 2011

COPPET 2007 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Coppet at Ouchy
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 26th July 2011

COPPET 2007 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Genève arriving at Ouchy from Thonon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25th July 2011

GENEVE 2007 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle



 Genève arriving at Ouchy from Thonon
Photo: @ Ian Boyle, 25th July 2011

GENEVE 2007 - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: @2011  Ian Boyle





















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